Historical & Current Events dictionary

Human Rights Day

[ hyoo-muhn rahyts dey ]

What is Human Rights Day?

Human Rights Day is a day dedicated to the advancement of universal human rights.

The day was established and is promoted by the United Nations (UN). It commemorates the UN’s 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document outlining a vision for human rights for everyone in the world.

Observance of Human Rights Day often includes educational events intended to raise awareness about suppression and violation of human rights in various locations and opportunities for activism and advocacy.

🗓When is Human Rights Day?

Human Rights Day takes place each year on December 10, the anniversary of the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Related words

International Day of Peace, International Women's Day, Earth Day

Where does Human Rights Day come from?

Human Rights Day was established in 1950 to commemorate the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document intended to set a universal standard of human rights. Adopted three years after the end of World War II, the declaration was motivated by the atrocities and human rights abuses documented during both world wars. While it was intended to promote international commitment to human rights, the declaration is not legally binding in itself, though it has inspired legally binding declarations.

Examples of Human Rights Day

Dec. 10 is International Human Rights Day. This is my favorite quote from Jose W. Diokno: "Human rights are more than legal concepts; they are the essence of man. They are what make man human. That is why they are called human rights: deny them and you deny man’s humanity."
@ColmenaresPH, December 6, 2021
Bangladesh sees sharp rise of extrajudicial killings in recent days ahead of Intl Human Rights Day on Dec 10.  The government just concluded world peace summit in Dhaka.
@muktadirnewage, December 6, 2021
Human Rights Day is recognized annually on Dec. 10 in celebration of  “the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
Allyson Mower, At The U, December 1, 2021
SEE MORE EXAMPLES

More information and context on Human Rights Day

Did you know … ?

  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages and is said to be the most translated document in the world.
  • The United Nations declared internet access as a basic human right in 2011.

What are other words used in discussion of Human Rights Day?

Just Added

Earth Day, yassification, ♈ Aries Emoji, Autism Acceptance Month, Autism Awareness Month

Note

This is not meant to be a formal definition of Human Rights Day like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Human Rights Day that will help our users expand their word mastery.

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